Dell’s value gaming laptop aims high with advanced features, strong gaming performance, and impressive battery life.
For most gamers, “Dell” and “gaming laptop” put together usually means “Alienware.” However, Dell has its own line of gaming laptops, known as the G-series. While Alienware laptops belong to the premium sector, the G-series was created with more budget-conscious gamers in mind. In this post, we’ll look closer at the Dell G5 15 5590 gaming laptop. The tech giant first introduced this value model in 2019, aiming to fill some gaps in the budget gaming segment. Dell’s mission was certainly accomplished. Need to slash your budget even further? Check out best gaming laptops under $500.
Dell G5 15 5590: Pricing and Configurations
Dell always offers its customers an array of options when it comes to laptop configurations. The wide range of options means you can avoid paying for hardware you won’t use. Currently, there are four G5 15 configuration options to choose from at the official online store. The base G5 15 model is currently listed at $950. It has the 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6 graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 120Hz display, 3-cell battery, and Windows 10 Home operating system.
Next, there’s a $1,300 model. It features the same Core i7 processor, but you get upgraded NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 graphics, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 144Hz FHD display. The device also has a 4-Zone RGB backlit keyboard. For $100$ more ($1,400), you will get all the same specs as the previous configuration, plus NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6 graphics.
Lastly, for $1,480, you can get a Dell G5 15 with a Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GDDR6 graphics with Max-Q Design. All models except the base model are equipped with a 4-cell battery. Furthermore, all configurations feature Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility.
Dell G5 15 5590: Design
Despite its affordable price tag, the G5 15 5590 looks and feels like a high-quality laptop. The core is a mix of metal and plastic, which makes the device quite sturdy and robust. The rubber feet on the bottom are grippy enough, so there won’t be any sliding around. The laptop is generally narrow, thin, and weighs around 5 lbs, making it quite portable.
Dell G5 15 5590 differentiates itself in terms of style, too. First, it has ribbed chassis sides. Then, above the keyboard, there’s another design feature: a glossy finish, accommodating the G5 logo and an ultra-fast fingerprint scanner. The keyboard itself is full size, with a number pad on the right. It also has a three-stage white LED backlighting, sufficient travel, and gamer-friendly feedback. Below the keyboard, there is the touchpad. It works fine and is pretty accurate, although the plastic texture is slightly more resistant than a glass surface.
Dell G5 15 5590 boasts plenty of ports, a significant advantage:
Left Side:
- 3 USB Type-C Thunderbolt
- USB Type-A 3.1
- Headphone jack
Right Side:
- USB Type-A 3.1
- SD card reader
Back:
- Power input
- HDMI 2.0
- USB Type-A 3.1
- Mini DisplayPort
- RJ-45 port
The port abundance and positioning remove the need to buy various adaptors and reduces cable clutter and maintenance.
Performance
The Dell G5 15 5590 offers a nice combination of components that, as a whole, deliver a smooth and pleasant gaming experience. The Intel six-core CPU, NVIDIA RTX 2060 graphics (other options include GTX 1650, GTX 1660, and RTX 2070), and the 1080p LCD panel ensure unruffled frame rates at high settings in the latest games. As long as the chosen game is not highly demanding or poorly programmed, high settings are usually possible at FHD (1920×1080) resolution.
Perhaps for more hardcore games, you’ll need an even more powerful GPU and a display with a 120Hz-plus refresh rate, but what the G5 15 5590 offers is more than enough for casual gaming.
The fans get a bit noisy when the system is heavily loaded, but Dell installed a dual-fan cooling system to help disperse the heat and keep the system responsive and cool during intense gameplay. Also, the laptop features Game Shift technology. It delivers a turbo-boost of power in just one tap when gaming gets too intense. Game Shift triggers a dynamic performance mode within the Alienware Command Center by optimizing the fans’ speed to keep the system cool under increased processor performance.
Dell G5 15 5590 Software
To further elevate your gaming experience, the G5 15 comes with the Alienware Command Center. Dell designed the software to improve the gaming experience by fine-tuning all the game and system settings, solving issues, and managing time. Thanks to the Command Center, you can adjust the hardware for every game and personalize the space and setup to make the software look and feel how you want it, without disrupting the game or other activities. The feature also lets you create a gaming library that links all your various system settings. After creating a unique game profile, it will stay exactly how you want it, regardless of where you launch.
Display and Audio
Dell G5 15 offers two display options. The base model will be a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 120Hz 250 nits WVA anti-glare LED-backlit narrow-border display. The other three options will be a 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 300 nits WVA anti-glare LED-backlit display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Overall, the display delivers a good brightness level, but the color gamut and the color accuracy are far from perfect. So, if you’re not only a gamer, but also a creative professional dealing with content creation, you’d need a better display. For gaming, this shouldn’t be a concern. Dell G5 15 5590 features an IPS panel with good viewing angles and contrast. The bezels are also relatively thin for a laptop at this price point.
The laptop delivers adequate audio quality, but you will probably need a pair of headphones or an external sound system for the ultimate gaming experience. The dual speakers on this model are moved to the front of the device and feature Nahimic 3D Audio for crisper clarity.
How Much is Dell G5 15 Worth?
Now that you have a better idea about this device, let’s take a look at its trade-in value. You can trade in Dell laptop for cash at Gadget Salvation and partially cover the costs of your new device, whatever it may be. We suggest reading our Dell laptop trade-in: 6 fundamental tips piece to better understand how to prepare your computer for sale.
In any case, here are some examples of what you can get for a used Dell G5 15, depending on the specs and condition:
- A flawless, fully working Dell G5 15 SE 5505 Gaming Laptop AMD Ryzen 7 CPU yields a $367 offer*.
- Fully functional Dell G5 15 Gaming Laptop Intel Core i7 10th Gen. NVIDIA RTX 2060 gets up to $500*.
- Working Dell G5 15 Gaming Laptop Intel Core i5 8th Gen. CPU in good condition is worth $244*.
Selling your laptop with Gadget Salvation couldn’t be any easier. All you need to do is answer a few questions about the computer online to receive an estimate. Then, ship your laptop using a prepaid UPS label, and get the money within one to two days via your preferred form of payment.
Conclusion
The Dell G5 15 5590 laptop brings a more affordable gaming experience for a broader audience. It doesn’t offer anything new or groundbreaking; rather, you get a good combination of features that deliver decent gameplay. With a fairly priced, robust build, a 15.6-inch anti-glare display, reliable performance, and almost 10 hours of battery life, this model makes a perfect entry-to-mid-level gaming computer.
*Priced on 03/17/21/ Subject to change.
